Understanding Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

What is ARDS?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious condition where fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. This fluid prevents your lungs from filling with enough air, resulting in less oxygen reaching your bloodstream.

Key Symptoms

• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapid, labored breathing
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Chest pain, particularly during breathing
• Bluish skin coloration (cyanosis)

Common Causes

• Direct lung injury:
  • Pneumonia
  • Inhaling harmful substances
  • Severe chest trauma
• Indirect lung injury:
  • Sepsis
  • Severe trauma
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Major burns

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will diagnose ARDS based on:

1. Physical examination
2. Chest X-rays
3. Blood gas analysis
4. CT scans
5. Other laboratory tests

Treatment Approaches

Immediate Interventions

• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilation
• Prone positioning

Supportive Care

• Medications to prevent blood clots
• Treatment for underlying conditions
• Nutritional support
• Prevention of complications

Recovery and Outlook

Recovery from ARDS varies by individual and depends on:

• Severity of the condition
• Age and overall health
• Underlying cause
• Response to treatment

Potential Complications

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Cognitive problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Physical weakness

Prevention

• Early treatment of infections
• Avoiding smoking
• Following safety precautions to prevent accidents
• Maintaining good overall health

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Blue discoloration of lips or skin
• Rapid breathing with confusion